Fireplace heater



OCt. 11, G. 2,132,563

FIREPLACE HEATER Filed May 11,- 1937 2 SheetsSheet l eorge 29. 661146479,

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G. B; GALLUP FIREPLACE HEATER Oct. 11, 1938.

Filed Ma 11, 1957 2 SheetsSheet 2 Patented Oct. 11, 1938 1 UNITED STATES FATENT OFFICE Y 2,132,563 Q g I FIREPLACE HEATER. George Brewster Gallup, Bradenton, Fla. Application my 11, 1937, Serial No. 142,027 16 Claims. (01. 126-121) -.The present invention relates to fireplace stoves/ or heaters and refers to that type of heater wherein one or more air heater units are positioned bodily within the fireplace for the purpose of utilizingthefire to heatthe air passing through the stove or heater.

"@An object of this invention is the provision of means for securing several heater units in operation position-in a fireplace, said means also permitting lateral adjustment of the heater units to take care of different size'fireplaces.

A i'urther object contemplates the use of auxiliary heating units associated with the main heater units and adapted to be applied to fireplaces of relatively large areas. These auxiliary units are adapted to be supported upon the hearth adjacent the bases of the main units and communicate therewith to permit the air initially heated by the auxiliary units to pass to the main units before being discharged into' the room to be heated. r w

With the foregoing and other objects in. View, the invention will now be morefully described,

reference being had to the accompanying draw- I "Figure- 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the means for retaining the heater units in lateral adjustment;

Figure 5 isa detail of one of the outlet caps; Figure fi is a detail of oneof the adjuster plates; 2

Figure 7 is a perspective viewof a fireplace showing a modified form in which main and auxiliary heating-units are utilized;

' Figure 8 is a horizontal section through the fireplace and the main heating units shown in Figure 7; v

Figure 9 is a section on line 99 of Figure 8.

Referringnow to Figures 1 to 6 of the drawings, there is disclosed one form of my invention wherein the numeral I0 designates the usual brick fireplace having a base or hearth l I, an inclined rear wall I2 and a flue l3 leading to the chimney. The fireplace opening is provided with the usual brick top wall I4 having a metallic supporting cross bar or stringer l5, which may elther 'constitute a flat plate, or, as shown in the drawings, an angle iron having-its vertical wall extending up into the fiue l3. v

The elements which constitute the main heating units of my invention comprise a pair of spaced slab-like hollow shells It and I! located one at each side of the fireplace and extending from the hearth upwardly to a point adjacent the top wall H! of the fireplace. Each unit. is provided with a lower cold air inlet [8 and an upper hot air outlet Land in order that the air; after it enters the unit, may become sufiicient-ly' heated, I provide an interior curved deflector or vane which is supported between and connected to the side walls of the unit. The cold air inlet 3 of each unit constitutes a lower foot 2! projecting outwardly from the front wall 22 of the unit and being entirely closed with the exception of its outer side wall. This wall is entirely open to permit the cold air to enter the drum laterally from the outer side. The hot air outlet of each unit comprises an upper cap 23 which is secured to the heating unit and-is likewise provided with a lateral opening in-its outer wall for the escape of the heated air.

Inorder'that the units I6 and I1 maybe posi-, tively maintained in spaced relation, I provide a horizontally disposed adjusting element 24 having the' double function of permitting lateral adjustment of the units to take care of different widths of fireplaces, and also constituting a; canopy or smoke shield by reason of its position in frontof the top wall I4 of the fireplaceopenmg. The element 24 is composed of two" end 7 plates 25 and 26 and an intermediate or centrally disposed plate 27. Each end plate is provided with a strap 28 projecting at substantially right angles thereto and'being associated with means for adjustably mounting the plate to its res'pective heater unit. Each end plate also has formed therein an elongated slot 29 which is normally concealed by the central plate 27, this latter plate having a suitable opening for the reception 2 unit, but also an adjuster plate 32. i This plate may be of any desired configuration and is provided at its top with a recessed portion 33 for the purpose of receiving the cross bar or stringer l5, and thereby securely lock the unit against up and down movement with respect to the fireplace. While in Figure 2, the plate 32 is shown as snugly engaging the stringer l5, it is to be understood that the recessed portion is of sufficient width to take care of stringers of different widths. In order that the adjuster plate may be adjusted vertically with respect to the heating unit, the latter is provided with a substantially vertical slot 34 through which the bolt 3i projects. Furthermore, the bolt opening 35 in the adjuster plate is of sufficient size to permit a certain amount of lateral adjustment of the plate. The strip 28 may also have a substantially large bolt opening, and in order to prevent the nut or other fastening means for the bolt from passing through these openings, I provide a washer 36 of greater diameter than the openings. As stated above, the fastening means 3| is designed to adjustably secure both the strap 28 and the adjuster plate 32 to their respective heating unit.

In operative position, the element 24 is adapted to extend downwardly and'outwardly in an inclined position with respect to the front face of the fireplace and to lie directly in front of the outer edge of the top wall 14. In this position, it serves as a shield or canopy to the top of the fireplace opening, and thus prevents smoke from being emittedfrom under the top of the fireplace into the room when too great a blaze iskindled, or when a sudden draft is produced near the fire by the opening of windows or doors in the room.

Referring now to- Figures '7 to 9, I have disclosed a modified form of the invention which is adapted to be used in the larger type of fireplaces. In this arrangement, main heating units it and H are adapted to be positioned within and on each side of the fireplace in the same manner as de scribed above. In this connection, however, I utilize a pair of complementary auxiliary heaters 31 and 38. Each of these auxiliary units is of substantially hollow tubular construction, and in the preferred embodiment, I have shown each unit as comprising an L-shaped member of substantially triangular construction in cross-section; These auxiliary units are adapted to be positioned at the base of the main units with the leg 39 positioned at the rear of the hearth and extending to a point substantially mid-way thereof. a

.Each auxiliary unit has a partition 45 extending substantially the length of the unit, that is, it extends from the front open end 4| of the unit rearwardly and then inwardly to a point short of the inner end 42 of the unit. This provides a pair of passages through which the cold air may enter from the front of the unit. At a point adjacent the rear of both the auxiliary and main unit, each is provided with an opening 43 registering with the opening in the other unit for placing the two in communication, and thus permitting the heated air from the auxiliary unit to' pass into the main unit and eventually be discharged from the outlet I9.

By reason of this arrangement of the partition and openings 43, the front of the auxiliary heater is provided with two air inlet passages and 45. The air entering the inlet 44 takes the path of the innermost set of arrows, that is, it travels rearwardly inwardly through the leg 39 and then circles about the partition 45, finally traveling outwardly through the opening 43 and then into the interior of the main heater unit. Air entering the inlet 45 merely travels rearwardly to the point where it is drawn into the main unit through the openings 43.

Because of the construction and location of the auxiliary units, a greater amount of air is heated than would be possible with merely the use of the main units. By having the auxiliary units of substantially triangular formation in cross section, the inclined or sloping walls 46 are adapted to come into direct contact with the flames of the fire, and in all instances, the fire will directly heat the inclined sides. Furthermore, ashes will not accumulate on the inclined sides 46 and the wood on the andirons or other fuel supporting elements will usually project above the top of the auxiliary unit and when ignited at the ends, will direct an excessive amount of heat to these inclined Walls.

In many instances, the installation of the heater units will merely necessitate the adjustment of the'front element 24 to allow for different widths of fireplaces. If, however, the side walls of. a fireplace are not atright angles to the front face of the fireplace, then the air inlet elements 2! and the outlet caps 23 will be noticeably out of alignment with the front face. In order to allow for such differences in construction and to permit these elements'to'be positioned on a line with the front face of the fireplace, I provide means for adjustably securing each cap and foot to its respective heating unit to permit a slight angular adjustment of said element in either direction.

With respect to the cap adjustment and as shown in both modifications, the front of each cap 23 is provided with an arcuate wall 41, an inner side wall 48 and a rear wall 49 which terminates about mid-way between the top and bottom of the cap. This is to provide an opening which registers with the opening in the top of the heater unit and forms an outlet passage.

for the heated air through the open side of the cap. 7 a

The wall 49 has a right angulalyextension forming a strap 50 and this is provided with an elongated slot 5|. Likewise, the inner side wall 48 has an extension 52 provided with spaced slots 53. The top portion of the inner side wall of each heating unit has formed thereinspaced holes 54 adapted to register with the slots 53 when the cap is placed in operative position, and suitable fastening means 55, such as bolts or screws, engage the slots and holes to adjustably secure the cap in operative position. In a similar manner, the top wall of each, heating unit is provided with an opening 56 adapted to align with the slot 5! and a bolt or screw 51 secures the strip to the inner face of the top wall of its respective unit.

With this arrangement of aligned slots and openings in the capiand heating unit, each cap may be angularly adjusted with respect to its units by loosening the fastening means 55 and 5'1. This adjustment may be either toward or away from the fireplace according to the position 'of the side walls of the fireplace. It is to be understood that these adjustments in most cases are slight and that in many instances an eighth to 'a quarter of an inch movement is all that is necessary to properly align the cap with the front of the fireplace.

The bottom air inlet elements 2| may beadjusted in a manner similar to the. outlet caps. Each foot orelement 2| is provided with an extension 58 having spaced slots 59 adapted to align with openings in the lower portion of the inner wall-of its respectiveheating unit. Suitable fastening means 60 engage these slots and openings. In order to obtain a slight. swinging or pivotal movement of the foot, similar to that of the caps, I preferablyextendthe bottom wall Bl of each foot-to form a strap 62. 'This is provided with a'slot Biregistering with an opening in the bottom Wall of the unit and fastening means 64 are passed through these openings either from the inside or outside of the unit as desired. Thus, the elements?! and may be adjusted to take care of different types of fireplaces as is found necessary or desirable.

In order that there may be a complete seal between the walls of the fireplace and the heating units, I have shown, in Figure 8 a plurality of asbestos strips 65. These strips may be applied to the outer walls of .the main units by means of paint or other material which when dried will adhesivelysecure the strips to the unit. Thus, when each unit ismoved into contact with the wall of the fireplace, the asbestos strip will take care of any inaccuracies and plug any crevices through which the air or products of combustion might escape. If desirable, a strip of asbestos may also be secured to the rear face or wall 49 of each outlet cap. It is to be understood, however, that this is'not absolutely necessary for the efficient operation of the heaters and is merely optional. I

Such variations from the construction herein shown and described as are within the skill of a mechanic may, of course, be made without departing from the range of my invention.

' I claim: a

1. Afireplace heating device comprising a pair of air heating vunitsadapted to be positioned bodily within a fireplace upon opposite sides thereof and having inlet and outlet openings through which the air to be heated passes, a pair of end plates each mounted on one of said units adjacent the front upper portion thereof and adapted to be positioned in front of the top edge of the fireplace opening, and a central plate adjustably connected to said end plates to permit lateral adjustment of said units;

2. In a fireplace heating device, an air heating unit adapted to be positioned bodily within a fireplace and having inlet and outlet openings through which the air to be heated passes, said unit comprising'a slab-like hollow shell having a top wall adapted to lie contiguous to the top wall of the fireplace, and an adjuster plate adjustably connectedto a side wall of and adjacent the top of said hollow shell for engagement. with the top wall of the fireplace.

3. In a fireplace heating device, an air heating unit adapted to be positioned bodily within a fireplace having a stringer extending across the top wall thereof, said unit having inlet and outlet openings through which the air to be heated passes and comprising a slab-like hollow shell having a top wall adapted to lie contiguous to the top Wall of the fireplace below the horizontal stringer, and an adjuster plate adjustably connected to said unit and having a top recessed portion adapted to engage the stringer.

3 through which the air to be heated passes, and

an auxiliary air heating unit of substantially tubular formation positioned adjacent the base of the main unit and having a front air inlet and a rear air outlet communicating with the interior of the main unit. I V

.5. A fireplace heating device including am'ain air heating unit adapted to be positioned bodily within a fireplace and comprising a slab-like hollow, shell having inlet and outlet openings through which the air to be heated passes, and an auxiliary air heating unit positioned adja-' cent the base of the main unit and communicating therewith, the inner side wall'of said auxiliary unit sloping downwardly to present an inclined face to the fire.

6. A fireplace heating device including a main air heating unit adapted to be positioned bodily within a. fireplace and comprising a slab-like hollow shell having inlet and outlet openings through which the air to be heated passes, an auxiliary air heating unit positioned adjacent the base of the main unit and comprising. a hollow shell of substantially L formation and open at its front end to provide an air inlet, and apartition extending rearwardly of said auxiliary. unit and terminating short of the rear end thereof to provide a pair of air heating passages, saidauxiliary unit having an opening in its outerwall communicating with the interior of .the main unit whereby the air heated in the'auxiliary unit passes to the main unit prior to its discharge from the fireplace.

7. In a fireplace heating device, an air heatin unit adapted to be positioned bodily withina firee place and having. inlet and outlet openings through which the .air to be heated passes, said unit comprising a slab-like hollow shell having its air outlet in its upper front portion, and an air outlet cap adjustably mounted on said unit and having means for laterally deflecting the hot air into the room tobe heated.

8. In a fireplace heating. device, an air heating unit adapted to be positioned bodily within a fireplace and having inlet and outlet openings through which the air to be heated passes, said unit comprising a slab-like hollow shell having its air outlet in its upper front portion, an air outlet cap mounted on said unit and having means for laterally deflecting the hot air into the room to be heated, and means associated with said unit and cap for permitting horizontal adjustmentthereof with respect to said unit,

9. A fireplace heating device comprising a pair of air heating units adapted to. be positioned bodily within a fireplace on opposite sides thereof and having inlet and outlet openings through which the air to be heated passes, and a finish strip adapted to extend across the top wall of the fireplace and having its ends adjustably connected to said heating units to retain said units in operative position within the fireplace and to permit adjustment'of the finish strip relative to the top wall of the fireplace.

10. A fireplace heating device comprising a pair of air heating units adapted to be positioned bodily within a fireplace on opposite sides thereof and having inlet and outlet openings through which air to be heated passes, and a finish strip adapted to extend across the top wall of the fireplace and having its ends adjustably connected to said heating units, to retain said units in operative position within the fireplace and to permit adjustment of the finish strip relative to the top wall of the fireplace, said finish strip being adjustable longitudinally 'of itself to permit lateral adjustment of said heating units.

11. A fireplace heating device including a main airheating, unit adapted to ,berpositioned bodily within a fireplace and comprising a slab-like hollow shell having inlet and outlet openings throughlwhichthe air to be heated'passes, an auxiliary air heating unit positioned adjacent and extending from front to rear of the base of the main unit and provided with an air inlet opening, and a partition extending rearwardly of said auxiliary unit and terminating short of the rear end thereof toprovide a pair of heating passages, said auxiliary unit having an opening in its outer wall communicating with the interior of the main unit whereby air heated in the auxiliary unit passesto the main unit.

12. A fireplace heating device including a main air heating unit adapted to'be positioned bodily within'afireplace and comprising a slab-like hollow shell having inlet and outlet openings through which the air to be heated passes, and an auxiliary heating unit of triangular shape in cross sectionhaving a floor engaging wall, a vertically extending side wall abutting the base of the main unit, and a downwardly and inwardly sloping wall connecting the other two walls, said auxiliary unit having an air inlet opening and an air outlet opening'communicating with the interior of the main unit.

' 1 3. In a fireplace heating device, an air heating unit adapted to be positioned bodily within a fireplace and having inlet and outlet openings through which the air to be heated passes, said unit comprising a slab-like hollow shell having its air outlet-in its upper front portion, and an air outlet cap mounted on said shell and having front, side and rear walls, the outer side wall having an air outlet opening extending longitudinally-of the Wall, the upper portion of the rear wall being imperforate and projecting above the top of the heater and the lower portion of said rear wall having an opening registering with the outlet opening of the heater.

14. In a, fireplace heating device, an air heating unit adapted to be positioned bodily within a fireplace and having inlet and outlet openings through which the air to be heated passes, said unit comprising a slab-like hollow shell having its air outlet in its upper front portion, and an air outlet cap mounted on said shell and having front, side, and rear walls, the outer side wall having an air outlet opening extending longitudinally of the wall, the upper portion of the rear wall being imperforate and projecting above the top of'the heater and the lower portion of said rear wall having an opening registering with the outlet opening of the heater, a slotted strap projecting inwardly from the rear wall of the cap and'engaging the top wall of the heater, a second slotted strap projecting inwardly from a side wall of the cap and engaging a side wall of the heater, and means associated with said straps and heater walls for detachably and adjustably connecting the cap to the heater.

15. An air defiectingcap adapted to be supported at the front ofa fireplace heater and having a rear opening placing the cap in communication with the interior of the heater, said cap having an imperforate front air deflecting wall and a side opening communicating with the rear opening, and an apertured'strap projecting outwardly from the cap and adapted to engage the heater for detachably and adjustably connecting the cap to theheater.

16. An air outlet cap adapted to be supported at the front and top of a fireplace heater and having front, side and rear Walls, one of the side walls having a relatively large air outlet opening, and the rear wall having a lower inlet opening adapted to place the cap in communication with the heater whereby heated air discharging from the heater will impinge against the front wall and be deflected laterally through the opening in the side wall.

GEORGE BREWSTER GALLUP. 

